Team Virtu Cycling has announced the signing of European road champion Marta Bastianelli. The team has also extended the contract of Barbara Guarischi and inked a deal with Sofia Bertizzolo.

Bastianelli makes the move after spending the last three seasons in Ale Cipollini. The European champion arrives to the Danish team as a leader and will have a strong lead-out train at her disposition.

"Marta is a powerhouse sprinter who fills a big hole in the roaster that we didn't have this season," said Virtu's Sports Director Carmen Small. "We have the best lead-out in the peloton both in knowledge and power so, with this combination, we can support Marta to the finish line every time.

"She is brought to the team not just as a sprinter but as a leader. Marta has shown that she can win sprints not just on flat stages but also quite hard stages like the European Championships. She has only hit the tip of the iceberg of what she can do and we are excited to support her for the upcoming years."

The Italian rider looks forward to starting her new season with a new team. "Team Virtu Cycling Women are known for their easy-going environment and at the same time with a lot of ambitions and aggressive way of riding," she explained. "This is a perfect combination for me. I'm looking forward to flashing the European Championship jersey with the flying colours of Virtu."

Guarischi extended her contract for another year and will start her second season at the team. "Barbara has a lot of fire! Barbara has shown that she can excel in technical sprint finishes and has given her hand in attacking the peloton, going into breaks, and trying to go solo," the Sports Director stated.

"She offered guidance to other up and coming riders and leadership on the bike. Barbara is one of the most skilled riders in the bunch so we look forward to having her share her experience with the development riders on the team. We are happy to have her for another season and looking forward to growing the team in a positive way."

Bertizzolo is an upcoming talent that can further develop in the team. "Sofia is our youngest rider and has proven already that she is the next generation and will continue to excel in both climbing races but also races of attrition," Small said. "We want to help her develop her time trial skills so we can push for results in the GC races.

"She won the young rider jersey in the Women's World Tour this season and a big goal is to repeat it in 2019. Sofia is an Olympic hopeful and we want to help her on this journey. She has huge potential and with the right support, she will accomplish many great results the next year."